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Curious that the Arabic tradition doesn't seem to include malachite, which makes a beautiful emerald green and was used by the ancient Egyptians and in the 12 century Winchester Bible

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It doesn't at all until, if I recall, the 14th century (possibly a bit earlier, but definitely not within "my" period) and that usage begins in Persia. I really couldn't say why it was snubbed before that.

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"Just one of those things" likely to remain a mystery I guess. Walnut ink in Europe is the same - no record that I've ever found before the 19th century

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Now that is curious!

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Hey Joumana, my name is Izzy. I am a student of the Picatrix, and am in the midst of a deep, creative project that revolves around the garnments one should wear while petitioning the planets, according to the Ghāyat al-Hakīm. I am so grateful for your work here! The decanic inks were a part of the book I was looking forward to experimenting with, but, my lack of specific knowledge led me down week long rabbit holes wayward drifts. I promised myself one more research dip, and lo and behold found part 1 of your project (published on my birthday, no less!). So amazing to see the colors and the process... thank you so so much. I wonder if I could introduce your work to my teacher and our class? I know everyone would be equally as thrilled :) - an extremely grateful izzy

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Perhaps even a formal presentation?

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Hi Izzy, I'm happy for you to introduce my work to your teacher and class. I never knew the text had so much reach!

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I just sent you an email via yr website :)

Also, a quick question... ive been working on a garnment that includes the green colour for the 3rd decan of Aquarius. I wasn't planning on making the ink, but wanted to work with the colour for a dye process. Before your seeing your post, I didn't know what tone of green would come from "animal gall"... I read somewhere (can't remember unfortunately!) that the bile of a tortoise, or of a calf were used to make golden ink. Would the shade/tone of the green change depending on the animal? Is the green you included on the decan wheel for 3 aquarius what you would expect from animal bile?

all the best,

-izzy

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I didn't receive any email through my contact form, if that's what you meant. It may not have sent properly!

Gall shades can vary but I'm pretty sure this would be a yellowish green. The green on the wheel was made as a substitute from verdigris and saffron (to stay within the list of ingredients) but it came out darker than intended.

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